Most Improved Rosters Heading into the 2022 NFL Season

3. Miami Dolphins

Another member of the AFC East checks in here. The Miami Dolphins’ offseason started out as a complete and utter mess. After winning eight of their final nine games in 2021, and almost earning a berth to the playoffs, the franchise made a head-scratching move by firing head coach Brian Flores. The move sent shockwaves around the league because there was no inkling that this was even a possibility. It turns out, Flores and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross didn’t see eye to eye. Rumors say that Ross asked Flores to tank, even offering money to do so. Until that is confirmed, it is merely Flores’ word versus Ross’ word.

They didn’t wait long to hire their new head coach, Mike McDaniel. McDaniel was known as Kyle Shanahan’s right hand man for much of the last decade, having served under Shanahan with multiple NFL franchises. Finally, McDaniel is getting his chance to lead a locker room. By all accounts, it is expected that the protege will incorporate a scheme very similar to his mentor, focusing primarily on the run game and short passes that allow receivers to gain chunks of yards after the catch.

The offseason moves indicate this, as they brought in a trio of veteran running backs: Raheem Mostert, Chase Edmonds, and Sony Michel. Much like Shanahan, McDaniel likely will cycle through running backs rather than committing to one as a feature back. The offensive line saw the first of two major additions on the offense. Terron Armstead, formerly of the New Orleans Saints, decided to take his talents to South Beach, signing a lucrative, multi-year deal to become the Trent Williams of McDaniel’s scheme. After years of trying to land a franchise left tackle through the draft, Miami decided to go the veteran route and finally got their guy.

The other major addition on the offense is Tyreek Hill. “Reek” became a superstar after being taken in the fifth round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016, but rather than paying him the record-breaking deal he was looking for, they sent the speedy wide receiver to Miami. In exchange, the Dolphins sent back a slew of draft picks. General manager Chris Grier gladly paid Hill the contract he was asking for, and the 3x First-Team All-Pro now forms one of the most fearsome duos at wide receiver with Jaylen Waddle. Mike Gesicki is a pseudo-tight end that will benefit greatly from all the attention that Hill and Waddle generate.

The roster is loaded from top-to-bottom, both on offense and defense. It remains to be seen if Mike McDaniel can be “the guy” in the locker room, but at the very minimum he is a brilliant offensive mind. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is entering a crucial season in his career. Year three is the biggest for first-round rookies because the fifth-year option on their contract must be exercised before their fourth season in the NFL. He will be given every chance to succeed in 2022. Ultimately, this team goes as far as Tua takes it.